A 70-YEAR-old retired builder who was well known in the pubs and clubs of Accrington was found dead at his home with a head wound, an inquest heard.

But despite hearing that Brian Dewhurst's wallet had never been found the coroner found that the most likely cause of his injury had been a fall down the stairs.

The inquest was told that Mr Dewhurst, of Mawdsley Street, Accrington, was a regular at Stanley Street and Bold Street clubs as well as frequenting Sydney Street club, the Canine Club in Abbey Street and the Working Mens' Club in Water Street.

A post-mortem report revealed a severe head injury consistent with a fall downstairs.

Coroner Michael Singleton said: "On the basis of the evidence available it seems on the balance of probability that he fell downstairs." Mr Singleton recorded a verdict of accidental death.